I don't know where you can get free ones, but there are brands of meters that offer much less expensive test strips. I use a TRUE brand and I can get my strips on E-bay for very low cost. I am not insured either so I am always looking for a deal.

WalMart and Target also have store brands of meters and the test strips are as low as $10 for 50. That is far better than some that charge up to $50 for strips.

If the hardship is beyond that, you might try to contact the meter company directly and ask them if they have an assistance program you can qualify for. I have not done that so I don't know how it works. I am sure it varies from company to company.